Practice, Practice, Practice[ Awakenings Home ] [ Stress Main Page ] [ Back ] |
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"Practice makes perfect." |
Use the instructions reviewed earlier. (You might print them for easier
review.) Each time you create muscle tension hold it for about ten seconds and then relax.
Wait about twenty seconds and then tense the next muscle group. Start with your hands and
end with your feet. Now, practice. After completing the relaxation exercise, notice how you feel and compare it to how you were feeling before you started. What differences do you notice? Do you feel any more relaxed? If so, how do you know? What is it that you notice? Did any aches or pains go away? If they did, they might be muscle tension related. Your hands and feet may be warmer as a result of the dilation of blood vessels in the extremities. You might feel a little sleepy. Your body may feel heavy. Does your mood feel calmer and more at ease? All of these signs indicate relaxation, and let you know that this procedure has worked for you. If you noticed any of these changes, "Congratulations!" You are on the road to controlling your stress. Sometimes it takes several practice sessions to become aware of the effects. Keep trying. Practice, Practice, Practice Practice is the key. Progressive muscle relaxation is a skill. Like any skill the more that you practice the better you will get at it. If you do not practice you will not improve. In order to get any benefit from this procedure you must actually do it. Without practice, the skill of relaxation will not help you. |
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